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The return of football
Now that it's about to happen, how do you feel about football returning in the UK? A few weeks ago, a reasonable percentage of this board's contributors were saying stuff like they didn't think it was appropriate, they weren't interested in football without fans in the stadiums, they wouldn't bother watching it, it's all about money and nothing else, etc. So how are those people feeling now that it's about to happen?
Personally, I'm really looking forward to it. For starters, it will be nice to have something new to talk about with friends and family. Although football behind closed doors is obviously far from ideal, I've felt all along that it's a much better solution than simply cancelling the remainder of the 2019/20 season, which is what plenty of people seemed to want. From my perspective, it will also be good to be able to have a bet on games again - something I really enjoy.
While football matches being played behind closed doors is clearly not a normal situation, the sport getting going again feels to me like another step towards normality. I'm really pleased it's happening.
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Re: The return of football
Yes, I'm looking forward to it - not expecting a great deal from City mind.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
the other bob wilson
Yes, I'm looking forward to it - not expecting a great deal from City mind.
I'll be watching the Aston Villa v Sheffield United game on Wednesday - wouldn't have bothered with it under normal circumstances.
As for City and the rest of the teams in and around the play-off race, I think it's a case of anything could happen. I guess a lot will depend on what sort shape the players have managed to keep themselves in during the lockdown. I wonder if a team like Derby or QPR could mount a serious challenge now that things are resuming under such bizarre circumstances?
In Germany, the top five pre-lockdown are still the top five in the same order, but Schalke 04 have dropped right away from 6th to 11th. Meanwhile, the bottom three are still the same, but Werder Bremen are making much more of a fight of it.
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Re: The return of football
I dont enjoy watching football really unless its City or a match with something on it such as a relegation or promotion decider or a play off.
Cant stand any of the top teams and will be switching off from the Sports Channels when the scousers lift the title. Its going to be unbearable.
Im glad sport is back on. Looking forward to the live cricket. I wish theyd reschedule the golf majors as well.
Im glad theres going to be football on. Most of it ill have no interest in though.
Id rather watch a crap City game live at the ground.
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Re: The return of football
As already said football without fans is nothing so I won't be watching. Just the way I feel.
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Re: The return of football
I'm looking forward to it if only to give me something to separate weekends from week days.
Glad it's behind closed doors I'm not sure I want to be in crowds and pubs just yet.
Also I'm glad they are finishing the season and not abandoning it.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
The Lone Gunman
I'll be watching the Aston Villa v Sheffield United game on Wednesday - wouldn't have bothered with it under normal circumstances.
As for City and the rest of the teams in and around the play-off race, I think it's a case of anything could happen. I guess a lot will depend on what sort shape the players have managed to keep themselves in during the lockdown. I wonder if a team like Derby or QPR could mount a serious challenge now that things are resuming under such bizarre circumstances?
In Germany, the top five pre-lockdown are still the top five in the same order, but Schalke 04 have dropped right away from 6th to 11th. Meanwhile, the bottom three are still the same, but Werder Bremen are making much more of a fight of it.
I mentioned in my blog piece this morning that more than half of the games in the Bundesliga since it restarted have resulted in away wins. I was expecting an improvement in results for the away sides, but I'm baffled as to why they're doing so well - the first six games in Spain have two home wins and three away ones as well.
I think QPR have the forward talent to go on a good run, but there was plenty of opposition to the Championship starting so quickly from that club and so they might not be in the best frame of mind at the moment.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
the other bob wilson
I mentioned in my blog piece this morning that more than half of the games in the Bundesliga since it restarted have resulted in away wins. I was expecting an improvement in results for the away sides, but I'm baffled as to why they're doing so well - the first six games in Spain have two home wins and three away ones as well.
I think QPR have the forward talent to go on a good run, but there was plenty of opposition to the Championship starting so quickly from that club and so they might not be in the best frame of mind at the moment.
I'm not baffled by why they are doing so well.
Home advantage is a very powerful thing.
We have all been to games where the support for the home side has literally blown the ball into the net.
So the figures you quote don't surprise me at all.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
insider
I'm looking forward to it if only to give me something to separate weekends from week days.
Glad it's behind closed doors I'm not sure I want to be in crowds and pubs just yet.
Also I'm glad they are finishing the season and not abandoning it.
Even if it wasn't no one is going to make you attend are they? :shrug:
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Re: The return of football
Quote:
Originally Posted by
The Lone Gunman
Now that it's about to happen, how do you feel about football returning in the UK? A few weeks ago, a reasonable percentage of this board's contributors were saying stuff like they didn't think it was appropriate, they weren't interested in football without fans in the stadiums, they wouldn't bother watching it, it's all about money and nothing else, etc. So how are those people feeling now that it's about to happen?
Personally, I'm really looking forward to it. For starters, it will be nice to have something new to talk about with friends and family. Although football behind closed doors is obviously far from ideal, I've felt all along that it's a much better solution than simply cancelling the remainder of the 2019/20 season, which is what plenty of people seemed to want. From my perspective, it will also be good to be able to have a bet on games again - something I really enjoy.
While football matches being played behind closed doors is clearly not a normal situation, the sport getting going again feels to me like another step towards normality. I'm really pleased it's happening.
I was ambivalent about it, it won't be the same watching City play in an empty stadium at home alone on a stream and I've never really been one to watch Premiership football at home.
But as it's getting closer and I start to chat about the starting lineup etc with my friends I'm getting more excited. Also the fantasy league starting up again is fun and I'm hoping that it's dry on Friday so a couple of mates can come round and watch Man Utd vs Spurs in the garden.
Kind of taking a World Cup attitude towards it, where every game is an event that (hopefully) we can watch together
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
Elwood Blues
I'm not baffled by why they are doing so well.
Home advantage is a very powerful thing.
We have all been to games where the support for the home side has literally blown the ball into the net.
So the figures you quote don't surprise me at all.
As I said, I would expect away sides to do better, but your explanation makes it sound as if we're talking about Cup ties where the home team is a lower league underdog that should always lose in a one off game. Even without a home crowd to contend with, the away sides have had to sometimes travel long distances amid the uncertainties that the virus has created - there has to be more happening to explain why away sides are winning more than double the games the home team are.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
delmbox
I was ambivalent about it, it won't be the same watching City play in an empty stadium at home alone on a stream and I've never really been one to watch Premiership football at home.
But as it's getting closer and I start to chat about the starting lineup etc with my friends I'm getting more excited. Also the fantasy league starting up again is fun and I'm hoping that it's dry on Friday so a couple of mates can come round and watch Man Utd vs Spurs in the garden.
Kind of taking a World Cup attitude towards it, where every game is an event that (hopefully) we can watch together
Why didn't you tell us Mun U and spurs were playing in your garden? :hehe: :getscoat:
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
xsnaggle
Even if it wasn't no one is going to make you attend are they? :shrug:
I don't like missing home games.
I've missed 5 in the last 20 years all for weddings holidays and illness.
I'm just glad I don't have the option just yet.
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Re: The return of football
It's not right that teams are playing and travelling around the country. It wasn't that long ago that we were lambasting Mr Cummings, but now it's alright to do it? Have things really moved on that much? I can't be bothered with it all until it's back to normal.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
Shute
It's not right that teams are playing and travelling around the country. It wasn't that long ago that we were lambasting Mr Cummings, but now it's alright to do it? Have things really moved on that much? I can't be bothered with it all until it's back to normal.
well positioned , there is a lot irony about these days
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Re: The return of football
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Shute
It's not right that teams are playing and travelling around the country. It wasn't that long ago that we were lambasting Mr Cummings, but now it's alright to do it? Have things really moved on that much? I can't be bothered with it all until it's back to normal.
But the point is they're doing it in a controlled way with social distancing, quarantining and testing. Not just some renegade who decided the rules he invented don't apply to him.
Also since then the rules in England have changed a lot, the theme parks and zoos are now open for example.
EDIT - And if a player tests positive for Covid I doubt he'll be travelling, like Cummings did
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Re: The return of football
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Shute
It's not right that teams are playing and travelling around the country. It wasn't that long ago that we were lambasting Mr Cummings, but now it's alright to do it? Have things really moved on that much? I can't be bothered with it all until it's back to normal.
People are allowed to go to work!!!!
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Re: The return of football
It will be a welcome change for people to go back to being irrationally hysterical over a game of football rather than covid and protests that’s for sure.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
Elwood Blues
I'm not baffled by why they are doing so well.
Home advantage is a very powerful thing.
We have all been to games where the support for the home side has literally blown the ball into the net.
So the figures you quote don't surprise me at all.
Literally? :hehe:
I've seen it suggested that away teams are more likely to go for it in empty stadiums. Reading uni did a study of closed doors games and found the home away ratio was very different to a normal league game.
Worth bearing in mind if anyone is putting bets on.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
TERRY BLUE
As already said football without fans is nothing so I won't be watching. Just the way I feel.
Same for me, I'll have a passing interest, may watch one MoTD to see how it is with all the grounds empty, but beyond that, I can't see me wasting time on it. To be fair, the season was pretty boring anyway.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
xsnaggle
Even if it wasn't no one is going to make you attend are they? :shrug:
:hehe:
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
lardy
Literally? :hehe:
I've seen it suggested that away teams are more likely to go for it in empty stadiums. Reading uni did a study of closed doors games and found the home away ratio was very different to a normal league game.
Worth bearing in mind if anyone is putting bets on.
I won't be putting any bets on. I think there are too many factors at play to make my weekly accumulator a complete failure as usual. May buy shares in William Hill though :hehe:
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Re: The return of football
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Shute
It's not right that teams are playing and travelling around the country. It wasn't that long ago that we were lambasting Mr Cummings, but now it's alright to do it? Have things really moved on that much? I can't be bothered with it all until it's back to normal.
I was going to say I can't believe anyone seriously believes there's a parallel between the two situations, but hey - it's the UK in 2020. Stupidity reigns supreme.
:thumbup:
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
CCFCC3PO
I won't be putting any bets on. I think there are too many factors at play to make my weekly accumulator a complete failure as usual. May buy shares in William Hill though :hehe:
I did the Sky Super 6 yesterday on the six German games - I had 4 results correct out of 6 by comparison with my last pre-lockdown attempt in which I got 0 correct out of 6. I've had a decent season on the fixed odds overall, but I've found the Premier League to be a minefield and my Super 6 bets have been hopeless, so I'm hoping I'll do better with empty stadiums.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
The Lone Gunman
I did the Sky Super 6 yesterday on the six German games - I had 4 results correct out of 6 by comparison with my last pre-lockdown attempt in which I got 0 correct out of 6. I've had a decent season on the fixed odds overall, but I've found the Premier League to be a minefield and my Super 6 bets have been hopeless, so I'm hoping I'll do better with empty stadiums.
This betting lark
I think you have a problem
Wise words
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Re: The return of football
I'm really looking forward to the football being back on tv. There's only so much Top Gear I can put up with.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
SLUDGE FACTORY
This betting lark
I think you have a problem
Wise words
I don't do it but I think super 6 is free but you have to sign up for a sky betting account so the temptation is there.
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Re: The return of football
Not for me. Games behind closed doors have little appeal. Might go down to the CCS though when City play their first home game to protect the Fred Keenor statue.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
SLUDGE FACTORY
This betting lark
I think you have a problem
I bet an average of £10 to £15 a week during the football season.
My balances for the last five seasons are:
2015/16: - £169.00
2016/17: + £488.00
2017/18: + £112.00
2018/19: - £202.00
2010/20: + £252.00
Overall: + £481.00
You wouldn't believe how many hours of form study has gone into achieving that whopping profit margin, which averages out at approximately £96.00 a season. And if I was to deduct the cost of the Racing Post every Saturday morning, I'd definitely be in arrears. Put it this way, I have no plans to give up the day job and become a full-time gambler.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
insider
I don't do it but I think super 6 is free but you have to sign up for a sky betting account so the temptation is there.
I do the free Super 6 for the correct scores and I have £1 on the six results I've chosen. I've got 6/6 only once this so far this season and that was way back in September, but it paid £86 so the bet has covered itself this year.
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Re: The return of football
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Shute
It's not right that teams are playing and travelling around the country. It wasn't that long ago that we were lambasting Mr Cummings, but now it's alright to do it? Have things really moved on that much? I can't be bothered with it all until it's back to normal.
The players and those travelling wont knowingly be ill with coronavirus and a small child stuck on the bus though.
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Re: The return of football
Quote:
Originally Posted by
The Lone Gunman
Now that it's about to happen, how do you feel about football returning in the UK? A few weeks ago, a reasonable percentage of this board's contributors were saying stuff like they didn't think it was appropriate, they weren't interested in football without fans in the stadiums, they wouldn't bother watching it, it's all about money and nothing else, etc. So how are those people feeling now that it's about to happen?
Personally, I'm really looking forward to it. For starters, it will be nice to have something new to talk about with friends and family. Although football behind closed doors is obviously far from ideal, I've felt all along that it's a much better solution than simply cancelling the remainder of the 2019/20 season, which is what plenty of people seemed to want. From my perspective, it will also be good to be able to have a bet on games again - something I really enjoy.
While football matches being played behind closed doors is clearly not a normal situation, the sport getting going again feels to me like another step towards normality. I'm really pleased it's happening.
I'm as happy as a pig in shit that football is starting again. I walked the dog the other day and stood watching a bunch of kids playing a game at heath park with my usual critical tone. The dog doesn't really care much for my opinion on the kid in the Man City top's first touch.
Really looking forward to it, a little punt and something to concentrate on and a move towards normality-brilliant.
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Re: The return of football
Although I got reservations about it returning, I’m looking forward to the games next week so I can watch a couple of games with my youngest lad.
That said, I’m feel like this every time a new season begins and by the first week of September which usually is an international break, I’m bored witless by the whole thing.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
the other bob wilson
As I said, I would expect away sides to do better, but your explanation makes it sound as if we're talking about Cup ties where the home team is a lower league underdog that should always lose in a one off game. Even without a home crowd to contend with, the away sides have had to sometimes travel long distances amid the uncertainties that the virus has created - there has to be more happening to explain why away sides are winning more than double the games the home team are.
Well I am sorry Robert but I don't think my explanation makes it sound like that at all.
Of course cup ties are an extreme example.
But I have been to league games where the crowd has been instrumental in wins or draws.
But what do I know. I've only been following City since 1961!!!!!
And incidentally the point I meant to add to my first response was that it was a bit premature to start wondering about this after so few games.
There may be something more happening but it ain't necessarily so.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
Hilts
The players and those travelling wont knowingly be ill with coronavirus and a small child stuck on the bus though.
The issue I have is that you don't know when you have the virus. Virus testing is also notoriously dodgy and can take multiple negative tests before getting a positive. Having thousands of footballers, staff and media travelling from city to town is going to be devastating. We will look back on this like we do the Cheltenham festival as a "what were they thinking?" moment.
Until the virus numbers are in single digits we should not be allowing it. I might be in the minority, but I think its mental. Look at the Chinese football league. They got their virus cases right down to almost nothing and didn't restart their sporting calendars. Now there are new outbreaks of the virus that suddenly appeared. Travel between regions should come with enforced isolation of two weeks, which I doubt all of the staff and media will be doing.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
Hilts
I dont enjoy watching football really unless its City or a match with something on it such as a relegation or promotion decider or a play off.
Cant stand any of the top teams and will be switching off from the Sports Channels when the scousers lift the title. Its going to be unbearable.
Im glad sport is back on. Looking forward to the live cricket. I wish theyd reschedule the golf majors as well.
Im glad theres going to be football on. Most of it ill have no interest in though.
Id rather watch a crap City game live at the ground.
This for me too (apart from the cricket/golf, sorry; don't mind the highlights but could not watch either live). Does this mean we aren't "real" football fans though? Just a question that I sometimes wrestle with.
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
Hilts
Cant stand any of the top teams and will be switching off from the Sports Channels when the scousers lift the title. Its going to be unbearable.
You have to admit, the fact they've finally won Premier League but they did it when the country is on lockdown with zero fans in the stadium to see it is hilarious timing. :hehe:
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Re: The return of football
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Originally Posted by
Shute
The issue I have is that you don't know when you have the virus. Virus testing is also notoriously dodgy and can take multiple negative tests before getting a positive. Having thousands of footballers, staff and media travelling from city to town is going to be devastating. We will look back on this like we do the Cheltenham festival as a "what were they thinking?" moment.
Until the virus numbers are in single digits we should not be allowing it. I might be in the minority, but I think its mental. Look at the Chinese football league. They got their virus cases right down to almost nothing and didn't restart their sporting calendars. Now there are new outbreaks of the virus that suddenly appeared. Travel between regions should come with enforced isolation of two weeks, which I doubt all of the staff and media will be doing.
It's worked in Germany, why can't it work here? There's been no spike there as far as I'm aware
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Re: The return of football
Will watch the City games and a select few PL games but can't say it's massively appealing to me at the moment.
Doesn't help it's a bit of a boring season where Liverpool have ran away with it.
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Re: The return of football
I am looking forward to watching some live sport on the telly but not the football per se. If I'm honest, the prospect of live cricket being on is more appealing.
I am still a bit sceptical regarding players' movement up and down the country and I doubt I will attend a live game or enter a pub any time soon.
Regarding City's hopes of a play off spot, I'm not terribly confident. Anyway I don't think I could stand the tension and prospect of disappointment at the last hurdle.
All that said, once it gets going again, my feelings might change.